(fig 1 "Metropolis" Poster 1927)"Metropolis" is set in the future, representing a city in which roots lays the lower, working-class, level and the upper-city where the high society is looking for more ways to entertain themselves and spend their time in luxury. (see fig. 1)
As R. Ebert states: "Lang created one of the unforgettable original places in the cinema. “Metropolis” fixed for countless later films the image of a futuristic city as a hell of material progress and human despair." (Ebert, 2010)
Even if we do agree that this movie is among the classics there were critics that completely disregarded it, like H.G. Wells stating: "It gives in one eddying concentration almost every possible foolishness, cliché, platitude, and muddlement about mechanical progress and progress in general served up with a sauce of sentimentality that is all its own." (Erkelzaar.tsudao.com, 2014) However, it is often the way, to critisize things but decades later these same movies, books or movements are embraced and adored.
M. Lee from the telegraph talks about the director Fritz Lang: "Eighty-three years on, his (silent) vision remains impressive: the sheer scale of the sets, the rampaging cast of thousands, the groundbreaking special effects all still dazzle. An eternal masterpiece." (Lee, 2010)
In conclusion, "Metropolis" is a beautiful and expensive film, considerably long and with an intricate narrative. A significant part of it might be lost but the overall feel of it is wholeness and a well told story.
Images:
Figure 1 - "Metropolis" poster 1927. URL: http://razorwirereviews.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/metropolis1927-review/ (accessed 01.10.2014)
Bibliography:
Ebert, R. (2010). Metropolis Movie Review & Film Summary (1927) | Roger Ebert. [online] Rogerebert.com. Available at: http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-metropolis-2010-restoration-1927 [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
Erkelzaar.tsudao.com, (2014). H. G. Wells on "Metropolis" (1927). [online] Available at: http://erkelzaar.tsudao.com/reviews/H.G.Wells_on_Metropolis%201927.htm [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
Lee, M. (2010). Metropolis (1927), review - Telegraph. [online] Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/7994159/Metropolis-1927-review.html [Accessed 1 Oct. 2014].
Hi Vlad,
ReplyDeleteThe referencing is looking better :)
Just one point - you quote H.G.Wells, and the quote is taken form another source (not a direct publication by Wells himself); this is called secondary referencing. This is recorded slightly differently; you would have
(Wells, 1927, cited in Erkelzaar.tsudao.com, 2014)
It is always best to try and find the original source if possible, as it makes the reverencing a lot easier! :)
Try and include a couple more images - this film especially, has a wealth of visuals that you could include and discuss. How about the robot Maria? - has that image been used to influence more contemporary film characters? Or the heart-machine in the depths of the city? Using images gives you the opportunity to really get some discussion going.
Thank you jackie, really constructive feedback :)
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